TOKYO – Sarawak is seeking to enhance its aquaculture research capacity through strategic cooperation with Japan, following a working visit to the Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency (FRA), a national body under Japan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
The delegation was led by Dato Sri Dr. Stephen Rundi Utom, Sarawak’s Minister for Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development. He said the visit provided valuable insights into how Japan integrates research, innovation, and policy within a single national framework to support sustainable aquaculture.
Dr. Rundi highlighted that Japan’s model demonstrates strong collaboration between academia, industry, and government agencies, ensuring that research outcomes are effectively translated into practice. “This experience is highly relevant to strengthening Sarawak’s research and training ecosystem in aquaculture and marine resources,” he said during the briefing.
Japan’s FRA plays a central role in implementing the country’s Fifth Medium Term Plan (2021–2025), which coordinates research activities, industry development, and human capital programmes. The agency supports national food security by ensuring a stable seafood supply and advancing marine science. It also trains skilled professionals in fisheries engineering and aquaculture technology.
Currently, Japan employs over 500 full-time researchers across its fisheries research network. In contrast, Sarawak’s fisheries sector is still at an early stage, with only five active researchers. Dr. Rundi noted that this disparity underscores the importance of international partnerships to accelerate Sarawak’s progress.
The minister emphasised that the collaboration aligns with Sarawak’s long-term ambition to build a resilient aquaculture industry supported by evidence-based policies and specialised scientific expertise. He added that the state aims to strengthen its research infrastructure to meet growing demand for sustainable seafood production, while also contributing to food security and economic diversification.
The FRA’s Aquaculture Research Department is internationally recognised for its work on breeding superior strains of yellowtail, bluefin tuna, and salmon, as well as developing feed substitutes and disease control methods. These innovations are seen as highly relevant to Sarawak’s efforts to modernise its aquaculture practices and reduce reliance on wild-caught species.
Observers note that Sarawak’s engagement with Japan is part of a broader strategy to internationalise its research collaborations. By learning from Japan’s integrated approach, Sarawak hopes to establish a stronger foundation for marine resource management, aquaculture training, and technology transfer.
Also present during the visit were Datuk Martin Ben, Deputy Minister for Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development (Commodities and Regional Development), and Dominic Chunggat, Director of the Sarawak Department of Agriculture.
The cooperation is expected to pave the way for joint research projects, capacity-building programmes, and potential exchange opportunities for Sarawakian researchers and students in Japan.
